Roles

The Band serves as the regimental band of The British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught's Own), a Canadian Forces Reserve Armoured Reconnaisance regiment in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Its main roles are:

• to meet the musical needs of the Canadian Forces and The British Columbia Regiment in ceremonies and military functions, and
• to assist the Canadian Forces and The British Columbia Regiment in establishing and maintaining a presence in the community

In fulfilling these roles, band members find that the Band meets their own needs as a community music group, much like other community bands or orchestras. From the member's perspective, the main difference is that, as a military band, marching and drill are sometimes called for.

Rehearsals

Band rehearsals take place every Monday evening, 1930-2130 (7:30PM-9:30PM) at the historic Beatty Street Drill Hall.  The "Stadium/Chinatown" SkyTrain stop is across the street from the Drill Hall.

Except for a stand-down in the summer, and another at Christmas, the Band rehearses the year round.

Performances

Band performances comprise two general categories:

• Semi-public: audience is limited to some group, such as the Regiment, the Regiment Association, invited guests, or perhaps a paying audience, such as for a concert by admission, and
• Public: open to the general public for free, such as a street parade, or open air concert.

A 12-month period would see approximately 30 band performances, of which about 30% are Public. In 2005, notable Public performances included:

• Hats Off Day - street parade in Burnaby
• Salmon Festival - street parade in Steveston
• Remembrance Day - street parade in Vancouver
• Sun Run - open air concert in Vancouver's Kitsilano neighborhood
• Apeldoorn Veterans Parade - in Apeldoorn, Holland, among 20 bands and over 200,000 wildly enthusiastic spectators, for the 60th anniversary of the Liberation of Holland

See the Engagement Logs for a complete listing of performances.

Uniforms

The Band supplies uniforms at no cost to its members.

The uniform is similar to the Canadian Forces Army Distinctive Environmental Uniform (DEU), otherwise known as Service Dress Number 3, with band dress cords. The jacket and trousers are Rifle Green, with black-on-red badges, insignia, and trouser striping. Headdress comprises a Rifle Green forage cap with a red hatband.  Cap badge (black) and collar badges (black) are those of The British Columbia Regiment. A black web belt completes the regular uniform. For warm weather, a uniform similar to Service Dress Number 3B (short sleeved shirt with black-on-red epaulette slipons, no tie, no jacket) is ordered.

Ranks

The Band and the Regiment confer honourary rank to members of the Band, based on demonstrated service and commitment. The Commanding Officer of the Regiment approves promotions, which permits members to wear the rank insignia. Current strength includes ranks of Bandsman, Band Lance Corporal, Band Corporal, Band Sergeant, and Band Colour Sergeant.  Some band members are active or former members of the Canadian Forces, but most are civilian volunteer bandsmen.

Appointments

As of May, 2008: